Chile » Getting to Santiago

Approximate flight time from London to Santiago is 17-18 hours.

By Air

LAN Chile and many other international airlines serve Santiago at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benz Airport, sixteen miles north-west of the city centre. Domestic flights on LAN, Ladeco Nacional and Aerochile use Los Cerrilos airport.

By Train

From Bolivia to Calama, the south is not recommended, but the hardy may take the weekly passenger train or the faster 'ferrobus' from La Paz to Arica. The 'ferrobus' is small and crowded. Make sure to book ahead of time. From Peru, the train from Tacna will connect to points south via bus along the Pan-American Highway.

By Bus

Long distance busses on the main routes are fast, comfortable and punctual. The 'pullmans' have reclining seats, salón cama. Most have toilets and meal service on board, or they stop at restaurants along the way. Reserve in advance for the holidays, or use a special offer, an oferta, for the best prices. Lesser routes will have slower busses with less conveniences, and are the choice for local people and their produce on the way to market or a feria. Local busses, called micros, provide in-town transportation.